As an avid scrobbler I'd say their problem was they couldn't get their focus straight. The real power of the service is the data, the stats of the users. Instea

As an avid scrobbler I'd say their problem was they couldn't get their focus straight. The real power of the service is the data, the stats of the users. Instead of focusing on hardcore users who try to scrobble everything they listen to, last.fm tried to force the unnecessary streaming as a way to grow user base, at the same time limiting and not developing data analysis, social parts of the service ("neighbours"), closing groups, etc., alienating many along the way.